Garden column assembly and associated method of manufacture

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an improved structural support and/or decorative column that includes a substantially-hollow column member including a first attachment point for attaching a first end of the substantially-hollow column member to a structure and, optionally, a second attachment point for attaching a second end of the substantially-hollow column member to the structure. The improved structural support and/or decorative column also includes one or more support members for supporting one or more plants or the like fixedly or removably attached to the substantially-hollow column member. The improved structural support and/or decorative column further includes a primary fluid delivery line disposed substantially within the interior of the substantially-hollow column member and one or more secondary fluid delivery lines coupled to the primary fluid delivery line for delivering a fluid to the proximity of the one or more support members fixedly or removably attached to the substantially-hollow column member and the one or more plants or the like supported thereby.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present non-provisional patent application claims the benefit ofpriority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/666,341(Christopher W. CIERI), filed on Mar. 30, 2005, and entitled “GARDENCOLUMN,” which is incorporated in-full by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the landscaping andinterior/exterior decorating fields. More specifically, the presentinvention relates to an improved structural support and/or decorativecolumn that incorporates one or more plant hangers or the like and aprimarily self-contained fluid delivery system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A number of decorative stands that incorporate one or more plantsupports and, optionally, a water delivery system are known to those ofordinary skill in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,297 (issuedto Receveur, May 6, 2003) discloses a height-adjustable support assemblyfor a receptacle in which a water plant or other vegetation can begrown. The assembly includes a base which can be weighted down withgranulated material such as sand or pebbles, a two-section,telescopically-adjustable, elongated supporting column attached on alower end to the base, and a receptacle attached to an upper end of thesupporting column. In one embodiment, the receptacle is fitted with aflotation collar so that it can float on the surface of the watercontainment means in which the assembly is disposed as the water surfacelevel changes, carrying with it an upper section of the supportingcolumn. In another embodiment, the height of the supporting column andreceptacle can be incrementally adjusted and fixed by means of aretaining pin. In yet another embodiment, the supporting column heightcan be adjusted and fixed by means of a threaded cap containing acompressible gasket. Means for stabilizing the alignment of the uppersection with a lower section of the supporting column is also disclosed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,014 (issued to Carrothers, Aug. 10, 1999) disclosesa stand for potted plants that includes a tubular member for placementon a free-standing post with a base. Arms of rod stock are carried bythe tubular member and are shaped to support and confine in place acentrally-located potted plant. Hooks at the arm ends receive the bailsof other potted plants. The arms are inclined downwardly and outwardlyand carry their respective plants offset below the centrally-locatedplant and contribute toward stability of the stand.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,302 (issued to Lynch et al., Jul. 9, 1996) disclosesa modular planting system for growing a plurality of plants arranged ina vertical column. The inventive device includes a plurality of modularplanting units which may be stacked together at various relative angularorientations to form a vertical column. Each of the modular plantingunits includes a center column having a pair of plant receptaclesprojecting from both sides of the center column. A mounting flangeextends downwardly from a lowermost portion of the center column and isarranged for reception within an uppermost potion of a center column ofanother planting unit. In addition, a water system for dispensing waterto each of the individual plant receptacles, and supporting structurefor supporting the system in a vertical orientation is also provided.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,502,922 (issued to Shlomo, Apr. 2, 1996) discloses aplant holder, including a base adapted to be supported on a horizontalsurface, a vertically-extending column fixed to the base, a plurality ofhorizontally-extending containers mounted at different levels to thevertically-extending column, with each container adapted to receive aquantity of plant growing medium, and a pump for pumping water from thereservoir to the topmost container mounted to the column.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,276,997 (issued to Swearengin et al., Jan. 11, 1994)discloses a vertical or columnar planter which includes a self-containedwater distribution system. The planter includes a generally-vertical,elongate planter body having openings at intervals along the side wallsof the body. The planter is filled with soil or another growing mediumwhich forms a continuous column within the planter. Plants are grown inopenings distributed along the side walls of the planter. Each openingis configured with a protruding lower lip and an indentation along itstop edge to help retain the growing medium within the planter body. Ahierarchical watering system is built into the planter. The wateringsystem supplies water for a greater time interval to the top of theplanter and progressively lesser time intervals in regions lower down onthe planter. The watering system helps balance the downward flow ofwater through the planter, providing an optimal supply of water to allplant-growing locations. The planter body is suitable for packaging andholding growing medium within its body during shipment. As such, theplanter can be shipped and sold with the growing medium already in placewithin the planter. An alternative embodiment planter for mountingagainst a vertical surface is also disclosed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,251,399 (issued to Rasmussen, Oct. 12, 1993) discloses avertical plant stand arrangement that includes a lower base having awater reservoir and pumping system, the electrical controls and timerunit, a central vertical support column provided with a plurality ofplant stations and, optionally, an upper cover that house the water dripdistribution system and the lighting system. The base has two physicallyseparate sections—one housing the water reservoir and pumping system andthe other housing the electrical system and timer. The water reservoirincludes a filtering system and feeding lines to the top of the centralvertical support column as well as return lines from each plant stationto the water reservoir. The electrical system includes a timer thatactivates the pumping system in the water reservoir. The centralvertical support column includes a hollow interior passageway forreceiving the water lines and a plurality of plant stations attachedthereto. The location of each of the plant stations is adjustable toallow different plant configurations. Each plant station can include awicking arrangement to augment the drip system contained in the cover atthe top of the central support column. The central support column alsoincludes at its top a cover arrangement that includes the lightingsystem and a water distribution system to provide water to each of theplant stations on a drip system format.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0034363 (Applicant—Warren,published Feb. 17, 2005) discloses a vertical plant stand that is freestanding or can be supported by burying its lower end in a base plantpot or in the ground. Pots can be angularly stacked along a centralelongate member or hook-style appendages can protrude from the centralelongate member to mount tilted plant pots. Multiple vertically and/orradially-spaced-apart appendages can be included to mount tilted potslike tree branches. The stand can also be configured for mounting atable top to the stand for making an end table, coffee table or othertable design. Instead of a table top, a top plant pot may be provided atthe upper end of the central elongate member.

Finally, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0040548(Applicant—Ware, published Apr. 11, 2002) discloses an apparatus forplant cultivation which conserves horizontal space and utilizes verticalspace, while providing for the growth of plants which are cultivated inan indoor environment. The plant growth unit comprises a nutrient supplymodule and one or more columns radially disposed about a centralvertical longitudinal axis thereby defining an internal space betweenthe one or more columns designed to accommodate a light source. Eachcolumn is in fluid communication with the nutrient supply module forcirculation of a liquid nutrient flow. The one or more columns support aplurality of growth sites, which are radially disposed about thelongitudinal axis and generally face the internal space. Each growthsite is positioned to contact the liquid nutrient flow.

What is still needed in the art, however, is an improved structuralsupport and/or decorative column that incorporates one or more planthangers or the like and a primarily self-contained fluid deliverysystem.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an improvedstructural support and/or decorative column includes asubstantially-hollow column member including a first attachment pointfor attaching a first end of the substantially-hollow column member to astructure and, optionally, a second attachment point for attaching asecond end of the substantially-hollow column member to the structure.The improved structural support and/or decorative column also includesone or more support members for supporting one or more plants or thelike fixedly or removably attached to the substantially-hollow columnmember. The improved structural support and/or decorative column furtherincludes a primary fluid delivery line disposed substantially within theinterior of the substantially-hollow column member and one or moresecondary fluid delivery lines coupled to the primary fluid deliveryline for delivering a fluid to the proximity of the one or more supportmembers fixedly or removably attached to the substantially-hollow columnmember and the one or more plants or the like supported thereby.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method forproviding an improved structural support and/or decorative columnincludes providing a substantially-hollow column member including afirst attachment point for attaching a first end of thesubstantially-hollow column member to a structure and, optionally, asecond attachment point for attaching a second end of thesubstantially-hollow column member to the structure. The method forproviding an improved structural support and/or decorative column alsoincludes providing one or more support members for supporting one ormore plants or the like fixedly or removably attached to thesubstantially-hollow column member. The method for providing an improvedstructural support and/or decorative column further includes providing aprimary fluid delivery line disposed substantially within the interiorof the substantially-hollow column member and providing one or moresecondary fluid delivery lines coupled to the primary fluid deliveryline for delivering a fluid to the proximity of the one or more supportmembers fixedly or removably attached to the substantially-hollow columnmember and the one or more plants or the like supported thereby.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an improvedstructural support and/or decorative column includes asubstantially-hollow column member including a first attachment pointfor attaching a first end of the substantially-hollow column member to astructure; one or more support members for supporting one or more plantsor the like fixedly or removably attached to the substantially-hollowcolumn member; a primary fluid delivery line disposed substantiallywithin the interior of the substantially-hollow column member; and oneor more secondary fluid delivery lines coupled to the primary fluiddelivery line for delivering a fluid to the proximity of the one or moresupport members fixedly or removably attached to thesubstantially-hollow column member and the one or more plants or thelike supported thereby. Optionally, the substantially-hollow columnmember also includes a second attachment point for attaching a secondend of the substantially-hollow column member to the structure. Theimproved structural support and/or decorative column also includes afluid delivery timer coupled to the primary fluid delivery line forselectively allowing fluid to be delivered by the primary fluid deliveryline and the one or more secondary fluid delivery lines. The improvedstructural support and/or decorative column further includes one or moreflow-limiting valve devices coupled to the one or more secondary fluiddelivery lines for selectively limiting the amount of fluid to bedelivered by the one or more secondary fluid delivery lines. Preferably,the substantially-hollow column member comprises one of asubstantially-circular, substantially-hollow column member and asubstantially-square, substantially-hollow column member. Optionally,the substantially-hollow column member includes a plurality ofcomponents. Optionally, the substantially-hollow column member issubstantially rigid and provides support for at least a portion of thestructure to which it is attached.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated and described herein with referenceto the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote likecomponents and/or parts, as appropriate, and in which:

FIGS. 1 a-1 c are a plurality of views of one embodiment of the improvedstructural support and/or decorative column of the present invention;

FIGS. 2 a-2 c are a plurality of views of another embodiment of theimproved structural support and/or decorative column of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 3 is an isolated cross-sectional top view of one embodiment of thecolumn member of the improved structural support and/or decorativecolumn of the present invention.

It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that thesevarious drawings are primarily conceptual and that all equivalentembodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of, and arecontemplated by, the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in two exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention, an improved structural support and/or decorative column 10includes a substantially-hollow column member 12 including a firstattachment point 14 for attaching a first end 16 of thesubstantially-hollow column member 12 to a structure (not illustrated)and, optionally, a second attachment point 18 for attaching a second end20 of the substantially-hollow column member 12 to the structure. Thesubstantially-hollow column member 12 may be made of a metal, a metalalloy, a plastic, a wood, or the like. The substantially-hollow columnmember 12 is, for example, substantially circular or substantiallysquare in cross-sectional shape, or it may have any other suitablecross-sectional shape. The substantially-hollow column member 12 mayalso be fabricated by a manufacturer or assembled by an installer from aplurality of components (see FIG. 3, for example). Such columnar systemsare well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and arecommercially available. Preferably, the substantially-hollow columnmember 12 has an overall height of between about 6 ft. and about 12 ft.and a diameter or width of between about 6 in. and about 12 in.Preferably, the walls 22 of the substantially-hollow column member 12have a thickness of between about 1/16 in. and about ½ in. Othersuitable dimensions may, however, be used.

The improved structural support and/or decorative column 10 alsoincludes one or more support members 24 for supporting one or moreplants or the like fixedly or removably attached to thesubstantially-hollow column member 12. The one or more support members24 each include a support arm 26 and a plant holder 28, such as a ring,a hook, an integrally-formed planter, or the like (a ring isillustrated). The support arm 26 and the plant holder 28 may also bemade of a metal, a metal alloy, a plastic, a wood, or the like, and, ifa plurality of support members 24 are utilized, are vertically spacedapart by a distance of between about 1 ft. and about 4 ft. Again, othersuitable dimensions may, however, be used.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 1 a-1 c, the support arm 26 of each ofthe one or more support members 24 is fixedly or removably attacheddirectly to the interior or the exterior of the wall 22 of thesubstantially-hollow column member 12, such as via welds or a bolt, etc.If attached to the interior of the wall 22 of the substantially-hollowcolumn member 12, the support arm 26 of each of the one or more supportmembers 24 first passes through a hole in the wall 22 of thesubstantially-hollow column member 12. Optionally, the support arm 26 ofeach of the one or more support members 24 is fixedly or removablyattached to a reinforcing member 30 that is fixedly or removablyattached to, and spans a substantial portion of the height of, theinterior of the substantially-hollow column member 12. The reinforcingmember 30 provides the substantially-hollow column member 12 withstrength and rigidity in the presence of the one or more support members24 and the one or more supported plants or the like. Preferably, each ofthe one or more support members 24 protrudes from the exterior of thesubstantially-hollow column member 12 by a distance of between about 1ft and about 3 ft.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 2 a-2 c, the support arm 26 of each ofthe one or more support members 24 passes through a hole in the firstportion of the substantially-hollow column member 12 and is fixedly orremovably attached directly to the interior of a second portion of thesubstantially-hollow column member 12, substantially opposite the holein the first portion of the substantially-hollow column member 12, suchas via welds or a bolt, etc. Preferably, a flange piece 32 is fixedlyattached to the interior of the second portion of thesubstantially-hollow column member 12 and prevents rotational motion ofeach of the one or more support members 24 about the first portion ofthe substantially-hollow column member 12. Optionally, a reinforcinginsert 34 is placed at/partially about the first portion of thesubstantially-hollow column member 12 and helps to support each of theone or more support members 24 relative to the first portion of thesubstantially-hollow column member 12. Again, the support arm 26 of eachof the one or more support members 24 may be fixedly or removablyattached to a reinforcing member (not illustrated in FIGS. 2 a-2 c) thatis fixedly or removably attached to, and spans a substantial portion ofthe height of, the interior of the second portion of thesubstantially-hollow column member 12. The reinforcing member providesthe substantially-hollow column member 12 with strength and rigidity inthe presence of the one or more support members 24 and the one or moresupported plants or the like. Preferably, each of the one or moresupport members 24 protrudes from the exterior of thesubstantially-hollow column member 12 by a distance of between about 1ft. and about 3 ft.

It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that anysuitable reinforcing members that provide the substantially-hollowcolumn member 12 with rigidity may be used. Various of these reinforcingmembers may provide the substantially-hollow column member 12 withsufficient load-bearing capability and prevent the buckling of the wall22 of the substantially-hollow column member 12, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the improved structural support and/ordecorative column 10 also includes a primary fluid (water and/or otherliquid nutrient) delivery line 36 disposed substantially within theinterior of the substantially-hollow column member 12. The primary fluiddelivery line 36 exits the substantially-hollow column member 12 nearthe bottom of the substantially-hollow column member 12 and isselectively coupled to a standard garden hose or the like. The primaryfluid delivery line 36 is attached to the interior of thesubstantially-hollow column member 12 via a plurality of clamps 38 (FIG.3) or the like. The primary fluid delivery line 36 has a diameter ofbetween about ¼ in. and about 1 in., although other suitable dimensionsmay be used.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the improved structural support and/ordecorative column 10 further includes one or more secondary fluiddelivery lines 40 coupled to the primary fluid delivery line 36 fordelivering the fluid to the proximity of the one or more support members24 fixedly or removably attached to the substantially-hollow columnmember 12 and the one or more plants or the like supported thereby.Optionally, one or more flow-limiting valve devices 42 are coupled tothe one or more secondary fluid delivery lines 40 for selectivelylimiting the amount of fluid to be delivered by the one or moresecondary fluid delivery lines. Each of the one or more secondary fluiddelivery lines 40 has a diameter of between about ⅛ in. and about ½ in.,although other suitable dimensions may be used.

Optionally, the improved structural support and/or decorative column 10still further includes a fluid delivery timer (not shown) coupled to theprimary fluid delivery line 36 for selectively allowing the fluid to bedelivered by the primary fluid delivery line 36 and the one or moresecondary fluid delivery lines 40 on a predetermined schedule. Suchdevices are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and arecommercially available.

Although the present invention has been illustrated and described withreference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, itwill be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art thatother embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/orachieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples arewithin the spirit and scope of, and are contemplated by, the presentinvention and are intended to be covered by the following claims.

1. An improved structural support and/or decorative column, comprising:a substantially-hollow column member comprising a first attachment pointfor attaching a first end of the substantially-hollow column member to astructure and a second attachment point for attaching a second end ofthe substantially-hollow column member to the structure; one or moresupport members for supporting one or more plants fixedly or removablyattached to the substantially-hollow column member; a primary fluiddelivery line disposed substantially within the interior of thesubstantially-hollow column member; and one or more secondary fluiddelivery lines coupled to the primary fluid delivery line for deliveringa fluid to the proximity of the one or more support members fixedly orremovably attached to the substantially-hollow column member and the oneor more plants supported thereby.
 2. The improved structural supportand/or decorative column of claim 1, further comprising a fluid deliverytimer coupled to the primary fluid delivery line for selectivelyallowing fluid to be delivered by the primary fluid delivery line andthe one or more secondary fluid delivery lines.
 3. The improvedstructural support and/or decorative column of claim 1, furthercomprising one or more flow-limiting valve devices coupled to the one ormore secondary fluid delivery lines for selectively limiting the amountof fluid to be delivered by the one or more secondary fluid deliverylines.
 4. The improved structural support and/or decorative column ofclaim 1, wherein the substantially-hollow column member comprises one ofa substantially-circular, substantially-hollow column member and asubstantially-square, substantially-hollow column member.
 5. Theimproved structural support and/or decorative column of claim 1, whereinthe substantially-hollow column member comprises a plurality ofcomponents.
 6. A method for providing an improved structural supportand/or decorative column, comprising: providing a substantially-hollowcolumn member comprising a first attachment point for attaching a firstend of the substantially-hollow column member to a structure and asecond attachment point for attaching a second end of thesubstantially-hollow column member to the structure; providing one ormore support members for supporting one or more plants fixedly orremovably attached to the substantially-hollow column member; providinga primary fluid delivery line disposed substantially within the interiorof the substantially-hollow column member; and providing one or moresecondary fluid delivery lines coupled to the primary fluid deliveryline for delivering a fluid to the proximity of the one or more supportmembers fixedly or removably attached to the substantially-hollow columnmember and the one or more plants supported thereby.
 7. The method forproviding an improved structural support and/or decorative column ofclaim 6, further comprising providing a fluid delivery timer coupled tothe primary fluid delivery line for selectively allowing fluid to bedelivered by the primary fluid delivery line and the one or moresecondary fluid delivery lines.
 8. The method for providing an improvedstructural support and/or decorative column of claim 6, furthercomprising providing one or more flow-limiting valve devices coupled tothe one or more secondary fluid delivery lines for selectively limitingthe amount of fluid to be delivered by the one or more secondary fluiddelivery lines.
 9. The method for providing an improved structuralsupport and/or decorative column of claim 6, wherein thesubstantially-hollow column member comprises one of asubstantially-circular, substantially-hollow column member and asubstantially-square, substantially-hollow column member.
 10. The methodfor providing an improved structural support and/or decorative column ofclaim 6, wherein the substantially-hollow column member comprises aplurality of components.
 11. An improved structural support and/ordecorative column, comprising: a substantially-hollow column membercomprising a first attachment point for attaching a first end of thesubstantially-hollow column member to a structure; one or more supportmembers for supporting one or more plants fixedly or removably attachedto the substantially-hollow column member; a primary fluid delivery linedisposed substantially within the interior of the substantially-hollowcolumn member; and one or more secondary fluid delivery lines coupled tothe primary fluid delivery line for delivering a fluid to the proximityof the one or more support members fixedly or removably attached to thesubstantially-hollow column member and the one or more plants supportedthereby.
 12. The improved structural support and/or decorative column ofclaim 11, wherein the substantially-hollow column member furthercomprises a second attachment point for attaching a second end of thesubstantially-hollow column member to the structure.
 13. The improvedstructural support and/or decorative column of claim 11, furthercomprising a fluid delivery timer coupled to the primary fluid deliveryline for selectively allowing fluid to be delivered by the primary fluiddelivery line and the one or more secondary fluid delivery lines. 14.The improved structural support and/or decorative column of claim 11,further comprising one or more flow-limiting valve devices coupled tothe one or more secondary fluid delivery lines for selectively limitingthe amount of fluid to be delivered by the one or more secondary fluiddelivery lines.
 15. The improved structural support and/or decorativecolumn of claim 11, wherein the substantially-hollow column membercomprises one of a substantially-circular, substantially-hollow columnmember and a substantially-square, substantially-hollow column member.16. The improved structural support and/or decorative column of claim11, wherein the substantially-hollow column member comprises a pluralityof components.
 17. The improved structural support and/or decorativecolumn of claim 11, wherein the substantially-hollow column member issubstantially rigid and provides support for at least a portion of thestructure to which it is attached.